Joe Cole has told BT Sport that it is clear to see the Arsenal academy is “thriving” following their win over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night in the Europa League. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring for the Gunners at the Emirates.
The Gunners cruised to a 3-0 win, their second in two Europa League games, to maintain a superb start to the season. Arsenal have won nine of their 10 games in all competitions. Nketiah has started both games in the Europa League.
Obviously a player from the academy, Nketiah was joined by summer signing Marquinhos who is also shining for the 21’s. Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson came off the bench. Karl Hein, Catalin Cirjin and Matt Smith were unused subs.
Ex-Chelsea, West Ham and England star Cole was summarising the feel-good factor at The Emirates right now. He said that it looks as if, even the academy is thriving – with so many homegrown players, or academy products, in the side.
“They’ve got so many options, anyone can come in and do a job. It seems like the academy is thriving, so many young players coming through – they were a class above Bodo/Glimt tonight,” Cole told BT Sport following the win.
Cole: Clear to see Arsenal academy is thriving after Thursday win
It is thriving, but in more ways that Cole could have imagined. They have the likes of Charlie Patino, Harry Clarke, Folarin Balogun and more shining out on loan. Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest-ever Premier League player.
Arteta, alongside Edu and Per Mertesacker, is establishing an environment where there are chances for these young players to break into the senior side. Attractive football, but high standards. The Gunners are continuing to grow.
With the Gunners in the Europa League, and not the Champions League, it does give the likes of Nketiah, Nelson and other fringe players to get game time. Perhaps, it will see them have the advantage over Tottenham this season.
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